NFL Preseason: 6 Things to Watch in Vikings' Week 2 Matchup Against Seahawks

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After last weekend's loss to the Tennessee Titans, the Vikings clearly have a lot of work to do if they want to compete in the increasingly powerful NFC North.

On Saturday, the Vikings will travel to Seattle and take on the Seahawks (aka Vikings West) in what will be a reunion of sorts for many players and coaches.   

Most of the Vikings starters, who only played two series last weekend, will likely play a full quarter or more against the Seahawks.

We all know that the outcome of this game is ultimately meaningless, but because of the shortened offseason, there is a premium on preseason games. 

Here are six things to look for in the Vikings' preseason Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.  

The Offensive Line Shuffle

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On Monday, right guard Anthony Herrera was activated from the physically-unable-to-perform list and joined the Vikings first-team offense during practice.

Leslie Frazier said that Herrera could play a series against the Seahawks, depending on how he progresses throughout the week.

Chris DeGeare, who started at right guard last week in Herrera's absence, has been working at the right tackle position during this week's practices. Perhaps the Vikings are preparing contingency plans for the offensive line. 

If Charlie Johnson fails to impress at left tackle, the Vikings may want to let right tackle Phil Loadholt try his hand on the left side.

The preseason is for experimentation, and the Vikings coaching staff will likely tinker with the offensive line until it feels that it has the right combination.     

The First-Team Offense Tries to Find Its Rhythm

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Last weekend, the Vikings starters gained 51 yards and three first downs during two drives against the Titans. 

This Saturday, the first team will spend a little more time on the field as it prepares for the upcoming regular season.

The Vikings will likely run a very vanilla version of Bill Musgrave's offense while trying to build team chemistry and improve timing.  

The Vikings offense is still looking for its first touchdown of the 2011 preseason, but McNabb has said that the offense is "very close" to finding its rhythm, so look for things to start clicking this weekend.  

Battle for the Fourth and Fifth Receiver Spots

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After Percy Harvin, Michael Jenkins and Bernard Berrian, there are several receivers fighting for one of the two remaining roster spots.

The Vikings have plenty of options to chose from in Jaymar Johnson, Greg Camarillo, Emmanuel Arceneaux, Devin Aromashodu and Juaquin Iglesias.

Wide receiver is one of the most competitive positions on the Vikings roster, and how these players perform on special teams could be a determining factor on who makes the final cut.

The Return of Cedric Griffin

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Cedric Griffin is an inspirational player. 

After back-to-back ACL tears (one in each leg) in the last two seasons, Griffin is finally ready for some action. He will probably only play one series against the Seahawks this weekend, but it will be good to see him back on the field.

He has looked good in camp while working his way back into game shape.

The Vikings need Griffin to get back to his 2009 form and stay healthy, especially since backup cornerbacks, Chris Cook and Asher Allen, struggled in coverage and missed too many tackles against the Titans.    

Improved Tackling by the Defense

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Last Saturday's preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans was filled with missed tackles.

This week, the Vikings will get a boost when Jared Allen, Kevin Williams, Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin make their 2011 preseason debuts.

Also, after playing last week, some of the younger players should get a little more comfortable with the speed of the game.

The Vikings defense should look much better this week against the Seahawks.    

Battle for Starting Safety Job

Mistral Raymond

The competition to fill the starting safety position opposite Husain Abdulllah is far from over. Both Jamarca Sanford and Tyrell Johnson failed to impress during the first preseason game.

The Vikings coaching staff might want to get a better look at rookie Mistral Raymond, who has been impressive in practice.

The battle for the starting job will likely be determined by preseason performances, so all three of the young safeties will be trying to step up and make some plays.